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Abstract:

The invention is generally directed to systems and methods for online
product presentation, and more particularly to systems and methods for
the interactive live/real-time online presentation and commerce of small
products. One preferred embodiment is an online computing system that
enables the interactive live/real-time presentation of small products of
value with intricate detail such as jewelry or precious stones on client
computing devices communicatively coupled to a wide area network, such as
the Internet. The system includes a conferencing system having a video
conferencing session communicatively coupled to the wide area network; a
computer connected to a web cam, wherein the computer communicatively
couples the web cam to the video conferencing session through the wide
area network, and further wherein the web cam has a lens directed at the
product; and a light box substantially surrounding said product.

Claims:

1. An online computing system that enables interactive live/real-time
presentation of small goods on client computing devices communicatively
coupled to a wide area network comprising: an online conferencing system
capable of initiating a video conferencing session communicatively
coupled to the wide area network; a computer operatively coupled to a web
cam, wherein the computer communicatively couples the web cam to the
video conferencing session through the wide area network, and further
wherein the web cam has a lens directed at the small goods; and a light
box, having one or more light sources, substantially housing said small
goods.

2. The online computing system of claim 1, wherein the web cam is
suspended in the center of the light box with a support stand.

3. The online computing system of claim 2, wherein a clip secures the web
cam to the support stand.

4. The online computing system of claim 2, wherein the lens is
substantially aligned with a vertical axis of the support stand.

5. The online computing system of claim 1, wherein the online
conferencing system comprises at least one network enabled computing
device.

6. The online computing system of claim 5, wherein the computer is
operable to record and store the video conferencing sessions, and wherein
the network enabled computing device is operable to remotely access the
stored video conferencing session.

7. The online computing system of claim 5, wherein the at least one
network enabled computing device comprises at least one of: a personal
computer, a tablet and a smart phone.

8. The online computing system of claim 1, wherein the video conferencing
session includes desktop sharing.

9. The online computing system of claim 1, wherein the webcam includes
controls for exposure and gain operable to adjust the depth of field of
the webcam.

10. The online computing system of claim 1, wherein the small goods are
at least one of: jewelry, precious metals, and precious stones or small
goods with intricate detail or value.

11. The online computing system of claim 1, further comprising a
magnifying device positioned between the web cam and the small goods.

12. The online computing system of claim 1, wherein the light box
comprises two side walls, a back wall, and a top, and wherein light
sources are positioned internal to at least one of: the side walls, the
back wall, and the top.

13. A method for providing an interactive live/real-time presentation of
small goods on one or more client computing devices communicatively
coupled to a wide area network comprising: establishing an interactive
live/real-time online conferencing session with the one or more client
computing devices; establishing a video conferencing session within the
interactive live/real-time online conferencing session coupled to the
wide area network; coupling a web cam, having a depth of field, to the
video conferencing session through the wide area network, the web cam
including controls for exposure and gain; directing said web cam at said
small goods; providing a light box that substantially surrounds said
small goods; and controlling the depth of field of said web cam by
adjusting the controls for exposure and gain.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of: suspending
the web cam in the center of the light box with a support stand.

15. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of: positioning a
magnifying device between the web cam and the small goods.

16. The method of claim 13, further comprising the steps of: recording
the online conferencing sessions; storing the online conferencing session
on a storage device coupled to the wide area network; and enabling the
client computing devices to retrieve the stored online conferencing
session via the wide area network.

17. An online computing system that enables interactive live/real-time
presentation of small goods on client computing devices communicatively
coupled to a wide area network comprising: an online conferencing system
capable of initiating a video conferencing session communicatively
coupled to the wide area network, the online conferencing system
comprising at least one network enabled computing device; a second
network enabled computing device connected to a web cam, the web cam
having a lens directed at the small goods, the web cam having controls
for adjusting gain and exposure; a light box substantially housing said
small goods, the light box including at least one light source external
to a light box wall; and a web cam is suspended in the center of the
light box with a support stand; wherein the second network enabled
computing device communicatively couples the web cam to the video
conferencing session through the wide area network; and wherein the
second network enabled computing device is operable to record and store
the video conferencing sessions.

18. The online computing system of claim 17, wherein the second network
enabled computing device includes at least one of a personal computer, a
tablet, or a smart phone.

19. The online computing system of claim 17, wherein the second network
enabled computing device is communicatively coupled to the wide area
network via a wireless network device.

20. The online computing system of claim 17, wherein the webcam includes
a magnifying device.

Description:

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 14/046,839,
filed Oct. 4, 2013, which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 13/712,864,
filed Dec. 12, 2012, which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 12/821,052,
filed Jun. 22, 2010, now abandoned, which claims priority to U.S.
Provisional Application No. 61/220,578, filed on Jun. 26, 2009, the
entire contents and disclosure of which is herein incorporated by
reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The field of the invention relates to systems and methods for
online product presentation, and more particularly to systems and methods
for live online presentation and commerce of small goods, possibly of
value or having intricate detail.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] For the wholesale of valuable finished goods and/or goods having
intricate detail, such as jewelry, precious stones, or pens, best
business practices are traditionally conducted in person. Because some of
these goods can be very expensive and rare, a live, interactive meeting
between the seller and the buyer not only gives the buyer an opportunity
to carefully inspect the actual product(s), but it also allows the
parties to communicate face to face and create a trusting personal
connection. When merchandise is being considered for purchase, integrity
and the building of this personal connection and rapport is essential to
conducting business. However, due to ever increasing costs (such as
energy, personnel, and insurance) and security risks involved in
traveling with such valuable goods (e.g. wholesalers being "held up"
while traveling), such increasingly dangerous business practices are on
the decline, leading to less business and fewer sales. In the retail
world, the personal relationship between expert sales staff and consumers
is what makes the business (i.e. sales) happen. However, for several
reasons the consumer is visiting their expert sales person or retail
store less frequently, and therefore causing less sales. This can be due
to the consumers being seasonal, the consumer relocating or because the
consumer simply does not enjoy traveling what may be a great distance to
purchase goods. In the alternative, such goods can be made available for
a passive sale online with detailed photos and videos on display;
however, many consumers are hesitant to use existing online systems to
make important personal investments in such an impersonal and perhaps
untrustworthy environment because there is no live sales person present
to assure the consumer, to answer questions and to otherwise conduct and
complete a proactive sale.

[0004] Accordingly, improved systems and methods for displaying and
selling small goods, particularly valuable finished goods and materials
are more desirable when linked with a live, interactive sales person with
whom they can interact.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The invention is generally directed to systems and methods for
live/real time, interactive online high resolution product presentations,
and more particularly to systems and methods for live/real time,
interactive online high resolution presentations and commerce of small
goods, such small goods possibly being of intrinsic value and intricate
design. It packages both the audio and interactive live/real time high
resolution visual practices necessary to assure the customer-sales staff
relationship and complete the sale.

[0006] One preferred embodiments is an online computing system that
enables the live/real-time, interactive online high resolution
presentation of products such as jewelry, pens, or precious stones on
client computing devices communicatively coupled to a wide area network,
such as the Internet. The system includes a collaborative conferencing
system communicatively coupled to the wide area network having live video
conferencing capabilities; a computer connected to a high resolution
camera, wherein the computer communicatively couples the camera to said
live video conferencing through the wide area network, and further
wherein the camera has a lens directed at the product; and a light box
substantially housing said product.

[0007] Another preferred embodiment is a method that provides a real-time,
online presentation of products on client computing devices
communicatively coupled to a wide area network, such as the Internet. The
method includes the steps of establishing a live/interactive conferencing
session with the client computing devices, including a live video
conference, using a conferencing system communicatively coupled to the
wide area network; coupling a high resolution camera to the video
conference through the wide area network; directing said high resolution
camera at said product; and providing a light box that substantially
surrounds said product.

[0008] Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention
will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon
examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is
intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and
advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of
the invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] In order to better appreciate how the above-recited and other
advantages and objects of the inventions are obtained, a more particular
description of the embodiments briefly described above will be rendered
by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in
the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the components in the
figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon
illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures,
like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the
different views. However, like parts do not always have like reference
numerals. Moreover, all illustrations are intended to convey concepts,
where relative sizes, shapes and other detailed attributes may be
illustrated schematically rather than literally or precisely.

[0010]FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram of an online presentation system in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] FIG. 2 is an exemplary diagram of an online product presentation
system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a diagram of a process in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the present invention.

[0013]FIG. 4 is an exemplary diagram of a user interface of the online
product presentation system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of
the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 5a is a top view of a support stand in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 5b is a front view of a support stand in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 6 is a view of a camera used in the online product
presentation system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
present invention.

[0017] FIG. 7 is a view of a connector device used in the online product
presentation system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Turning to FIG. 1, a system 1000 in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the invention is shown. The system 1000 includes an online
presentation system 1100 that is communicatively coupled to a wide area
network 1400, such as the Internet. Also included is a conferencing
system 1200 communicatively coupled to the online presentation system
1100 via the wide area network 1400. The conferencing system 1200 is a
set of interactive telecommunication technologies known in the art,
including live/interactive video conferencing, that allow one or more
computing devices at remote locations, e.g., remote viewers 1300 (which
generally includes any network enabled computing device with a display,
such as a personal computer, tablet, or smart phone) and the online
presentation system 1100, to interact, e.g., via display or desktop
sharing and/or two-way video and audio transmissions, simultaneously
through the wide area network 1400, such as the Internet. Examples of
systems, which are also known as online collaborative systems, include
Cisco's Webex, Microsoft's NetMeeting, GoTo Meeting, Live Office, and
Skype. An example of such a system is described in U.S. Pat. No.
6,567,813 to Zhu et al., which is herein incorporated by reference in its
entirety. Also included in the system 1000 is an electronic c01mnerce
system 1500 that enables the participants to initiate and complete
payment transactions, such as PayPal. An example of such a system is
described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,089,208, which is herein incorporated by
reference in its entirety.

[0019] An exemplary online presentation system 1100 is shown in FIG. 2.
The system 1100 includes a camera 1140 communicatively coupled to a
computer 1145 that is communicatively coupled to the wide area network
1400, either through a wired connection or wireless LAN connection, such
as an 802.11 connection; a wireless PAN connection, such as a Bluetooth
connection, a wide area network connection, such as Nortel's LTE or
Wi-MAX connection; or a cell connection, such as a CDMA or GSM
connection. Using a wireless network increases the portability of the
online presentation system 1100, thereby giving the presenter greater
flexibility as to location to conduct the online presentation.

[0020] The camera 1140 is preferably a webcam, for example, Logitech's
Quickcam Pro 9000, which is a camera designed to transmit digital video
and photos directly to a computing device, e.g., 1145, which can store
such video and photos for transmission over the wide area network 1400 to
a remote device, e.g., remote viewer 1300. As one of skill in the art can
appreciate, higher amounts of data may be required to represent higher
quality/resolution photos and video (even with compression); however,
higher amounts of data will take longer to transmit, particularly over
networks of limited bandwidth (e.g., wireless networks as compared to
wired networks), thereby affecting the performance of the real-time
display. Webcams are generally designed to balance between the two
requirements, i.e., high quality/resolution videos and photos vs.
transmission performance.

[0021] The webcam preferably provides video streaming and recording in
addition to photo capture. Further, the webcam and associated software
preferably provides not only contrast, brightness, and color-intensity
controls, but also exposure and gain controls (e.g., Logitech's Quickcam
Pro 9000) as well to maximize the depth of field, as one of ordinary
skill in the art would appreciate. Particularly for goods with intricate
detail, e.g. diamonds having multiple cuts and facets, it is crucial that
such detail fall within the depth of field of the camera 1140 so as to
provide clarity and quality of representation for the remote viewer(s)
1300. However, some goods may have a surface that affects the camera's
1140 depth of field, e.g., the high refractive index of diamond. For such
goods with a variety of refraction, it would be desirable to reduce the
exposure (analogous to the aperture setting) and increase the gain, which
may increase the depth of field and reduce the refractive effect to
ensure the depth captures the maximum quality of representation. By
contrast, metal goods such as gold and silver may have different
reflection issues (due to surface design) that may need to be addressed.
In such instances, it may be desirable to increase exposure. Further, if
a precious stone is on display, a loupe, microscope or some other
magnifying device (not shown) can be coupled to the camera 1140 lens to
show certain aspects of the stone 1150, e.g., surface blemishes and
inclusions that can verify identification and quality.

[0022] The camera 1140 is housed in a light box or light tent 1110 having
two side walls, 1117 and 1118, a back wall 1119, a top 1115 and an
interior bottom surface 1116. The color of these walls and surface can
affect the lighting with the box 1110, and different colors may be more
suitable for certain finished goods. For example, colored precious stones
would display well with white walls and surfaces. Black walls and
surfaces could serve as an effective contrast to white gold or silver
products. A support stand 1130 in the light box 1110 is used to suspend
the camera 1140 in the middle of the light box 1110 over the finished
good, e.g., jewelry 1150. Light sources/lamps 1120 are used with the
light box 1110 (inside or outside), one situated next to each side wall
1117 and 1118, to enhance the lighting within the light box 1110, thereby
enhancing the visual display of the finished good 1150. Alternative light
boxes 1110 known in the art can be used. Some light boxes 1110 may have
an integrated light source, such as the lightbox and associated hardware
described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,369,761, which is incorporated by reference
in its entirety.

[0023] Turning to FIG. 3, a process 2000 of operation of the system 1000
is shown. A presenter can initiate a private and secure live interactive
online conference session between the computing device 1145 of the online
presentation system 1100 and one or more remote viewers' 1300 computing
device using the conferencing system 1200 (Action Block 2100). The
presenter can then initiate a video conference within the live
interactive online conference session (Action Block 2200). The presenter
can then place the product for presentation within the lightbox 1110
(Action Block 2300), and direct a camera 1140 (preferably a web cam) at
the product (Action Block 2400). If the depth of field needs to be
adjusted (Decision Block 2500), the presenter can adjust the exposure
and/or gain of the camera 1140 to increase depth of field (Action Block
2600). If the camera 1140 is providing a quality representation of the
product, then the presenter can connect the camera 1140 to the video
conferencing session (Action Block 2700). If the presenter wishes to
archive video or photos of the product for marketing purposes, for
example, (Decision Block 2800), either the online presentation system
1100 or the online conferencing system 1200 can create and store the file
for later use (Action Block 2850). If the parties are ready to engage in
a business transaction (Decision Block 2900), the presenter can then
complete the transaction (Action Block 2950) with the electronic commerce
system 1500, e.g, PayPal.

[0024] Once the remote viewer 1300 engages the live interactive online
conferencing session with a video conference session established, a user
interface is shown. Turning to FIG. 4, an exemplary user interface is
shown on a remote viewer's 1300 computing device. The user interface
includes a live interactive product demonstration window 1350 that
retrieves the data from the camera 1140 located within the online
presentation system 1100, e.g., live interactive real time video of the
product-in this example jewelry 1150. If a webcam with video is utilized
to transmit an interactive real-time video feed of the product 1150,
e.g., if the process shown in FIG. 3 is followed, high quality
interactive video can be displayed within the live product demonstration
window 1350 with acceptable real time performance. Because a light box
1110 with a controlled lighting environment 1120 is used, and the depth
of field is optimized, the product 1150 can be shown with high clarity in
its truest form without misrepresentation. Not only will such a system
show the quality of the product 1150, but also features to indicate
authenticity, such as barcodes, or intricate signature patterns. The user
interface can also show the participants 1310 of the video conference,
e.g., the presenter/seller, via a separate camera (not shown), a list of
the participants 1320, and a chat session 1330 that allows for the
participants to text each other. The participants can also simultaneously
hold an audio conference (not shown). The user interface can also display
a presenter/seller's associated website 1340, which may allow for seller
initiated sales presentations and may include an e-commerce system, e.g.,
1500, such as Pay Pal, to complete business transactions.

[0025] In effect, the system 1000 allows for the sales person and buyer to
emulate the traditional in person engagement through visual accuracy and
live/real time interaction. It allows the buyer to visually inspect the
product at any angle they request in real time with quality
representation, and ask questions with immediate feedback (e.g., rotate
item 1150, invert it, measure it, zoom into it, and perhaps even wear
it). This interactive live/real time face-to-face online meeting allows
both parties to engage in an in depth discussion simulating the
traditional personal sales engagement, over the sales counter, thereby
creating the same sense of trust and comfort essential in facilitating
commerce while removing costs and potential dangers associated with the
traditional in store engagements and addressing concerns buyers may have
with other existing online commerce systems.

[0026] Turning to FIGS. 5a and 5b, it is preferable to suspend or support
the camera 1140 to focus the lens on the finished good 1150 against a
clean background. Further, it would be preferable to not have any portion
of the support/suspension system in view. One solution is to use the
support stand 1130 shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b placed against the back wall
1119 of the light box 1110. As opposed to a traditional tripod, this
particular stand 1130 has a rod 1137 (to support the camera 1140) with
legs 1135 configured as shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b, where the legs 1135
connect to the base of the rod 1137 and lay flat extending outward from
the rod 1137, thereby creating an open space just below the lens of the
camera 1140 that is easily accessible to the presenter. The rod 1137 can
extend and rotate to adjust the position of the camera 1140.

[0027] Turning to FIG. 6, some web cams, e.g., Logitech Webcam 9000,
position their lens 1141 to the side. If the web cam is mounted directly
on support rod 1137, then the lens will be off center; however, it is
preferable to align the lens directly over the point where the camera
1140 is mounted to the support rod 1137, which places the lens along the
stand's 1130 vertical axis. One approach to address this issue is to use
a clip 1147 shown in FIG. 7. The clip 1147 is formed with a sheet of
malleable metal bent into a U shape. The U portion 1149 is designed to
hold the camera 1140 in place, and the end portion 1148 is designed to be
secured to the top of the support rod 1137 while the U portion 1149 holds
the camera 1140 off center, thereby causing the lens 1141 to be centered
over the vertical axis of the support rod 1137.

[0028] In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described
with reference to specific embodiments thereof. It will, however, be
evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto
without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention. For
example, the reader is to understand that the specific ordering and
combination of process actions described herein is merely illustrative,
and the invention may appropriately be performed using different or
additional process actions, or a different combination or ordering of
process actions. For example, this invention is particularly suited for
presentation of small goods, such as jewelry, stones or items of value or
great detail; however, the invention can be used for any product in
general. As a further example, each feature of one embodiment can be
mixed and matched with other features shown in other embodiments.
Additionally and obviously, features may be added or subtracted as
desired. Accordingly, the invention is not to be restricted except in
light of the attached claims and their equivalents.